Food chemical news 1991

Here are some notable food chemical news stories from 1991:

  1. BSE (Mad Cow Disease) Discovered: In March 1991, the first cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as Mad Cow Disease, were reported in the United Kingdom. The disease was linked to the consumption of contaminated beef products, leading to a major food safety crisis.
  2. Food Additives Under Scrutiny: In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into the use of food additives, including artificial sweeteners and preservatives, following concerns about their potential health risks.
  3. Aspartame Controversy: The artificial sweetener aspartame was again under fire in 1991, with some scientists claiming it caused cancer and other health problems. The FDA reaffirmed its safety, but the controversy continued to spark debate.
  4. Food Irradiation: The use of food irradiation, a process that uses ionizing radiation to kill bacteria and extend shelf life, was approved by the FDA in 1991. However, some consumer groups raised concerns about the potential risks to human health.
  5. Trans Fatty Acids: Research published in 1991 highlighted the potential health risks associated with trans fatty acids, which are formed during the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. The study suggested that consuming high amounts of trans fats could increase the risk of heart disease.
  6. Food Packaging Chemicals: The use of certain chemicals in food packaging, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, was under scrutiny in 1991. Some studies suggested that these chemicals could leach into food and pose health risks.
  7. Food Allergen Labeling: In the United States, the FDA proposed new regulations requiring food manufacturers to label products containing common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, and soybeans.
  8. Food Safety in Developing Countries: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched a joint initiative to improve food safety in developing countries, where foodborne illnesses were a significant public health concern.

These are just a few examples of the food chemical news stories that made headlines in 1991. The year was marked by significant advances in food safety, nutrition, and food technology, as well as ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the use of certain food additives and chemicals.